After the excitement surrounding Riot Games’ recent announcement of Project K, there’s been a lot of speculation about its place in the world of trading card games (TCGs). As the next step in Riot’s ever-expanding portfolio, Project K is set to release in 2025 as their first physical card game.
However, it isn’t without comparisons to Legends of Runeterra (LoR), the digital card game that Riot first released in 2020. I had the chance to speak with Dave Guskin, the game director of Project K, who provided valuable insights into the project, its design philosophy, and its relationship with LoR.
Project K vs. Legends of Runeterra: How They’re Different
While Legends of Runeterra (LoR) has enjoyed a steady presence as a digital card game, Project K stands apart as a physical TCG that offers a distinct experience for players.
LoR has long been known for its PvE and PvP elements, allowing players to build decks around champion combos and engage in fast-paced strategic battles. However, Project K is focused on multiplayer, with a design that emphasizes social interaction.
Dave emphasized that Project K isn’t a direct competitor to LoR. While both games share similar roots in League of Legends lore and champions, their approaches are different. LoR offers a roguelike single-player experience, while Project K focuses on creating a space for friends to gather, build decks, and experience the excitement of trading cards in person.
Interestingly, Riot Games hadn’t planned on starting Project K until 2024. In fact, the team only began serious development in 2024 and quickly built the game’s systems and engine. This rapid development process was driven by the desire to provide players with something new and exciting.
A Multiplayer-First Trading Card Game
Project K’s design revolves around its multiplayer experience. Unlike traditional TCGs where players are eliminated after losing health points, Project K is built to keep everyone engaged throughout the game.
This means players will always have a chance to recover and make big plays, preventing the frustration of being knocked out early. The goal is to create a game that’s both accessible and inviting for players of all skill levels, from casual players to seasoned veterans.
In the game, players use a single champion deck, and while they cannot combine different champion decks as in LoR, they are allowed to have up to three copies of the same champion in their deck. This mechanic enables players to build creative and strategic combos within their decks.
“We didn’t want to limit people’s ability to make crazy strategies,” said Dave. “You can have a champion that works really well with a second copy of itself, and we want to offer variations with different colored champions as well.”
For example, players can experiment with Jinx decks featuring multiple colored versions of the champion, like a purple Jinx or red Jinx, each with unique abilities that cater to different playstyles. This flexibility adds another layer of customization and strategy to the game.
A Social TCG Built to Create Memorable Moments
Riot Games’ team has been vocal about their ambitions for Project K being the “best social TCG” on the market. Dave explained that the game is designed to spark big moments of excitement—like when a player pulls off an unexpected move or summons a massive champion like Volibear.
“We wanted to make a game that was fun and approachable,” he said. “The social element is key here. We want people to feel like they’re on a similar playing field, even if some players are more experienced than others.”
The game’s mechanics also emphasize the joy of big, explosive plays, where players can make strategic moves that leave everyone at the table talking. Dave believes this type of excitement is crucial for multiplayer experiences, where the back-and-forth nature of gameplay keeps everyone engaged.
Why Project K Goes Against the Grain of Mobile TCGs
In an era dominated by mobile TCGs like Marvel Snap and Pokémon TCG, which are known for small decks and fast-paced play, Project K is deliberately going in the opposite direction by offering a physical card game.
Dave explained that Riot Games wanted to create a more socially engaging experience, one that encouraged friends and family to come together in person to build strategies and engage in discussions about their decks.
At the moment, there are no plans for a digital version of Project K, but Riot has hinted at possible future expansions. These include new champion decks, alternate art cards, and a variety of accessories like card sleeves and playmats.
One of the biggest challenges for the team is the huge roster of 160 champions in League of Legends, which offers countless opportunities for new champion cards and deck variations.
Dave mentioned that the team has already experimented with battlefield variations, including themed environments inspired by League’s jungle. As for the art direction, Riot is working on integrating alternate art treatments for future card sets, ensuring each expansion feels fresh and visually unique.
What’s Next for Project K?
Looking ahead, Project K will be expanding with even more champion decks and color variations. The introduction of new accessories and limited-edition products will help keep the game exciting and customizable for players. Riot is also considering alternate art treatments and collaborations with international artists to bring new perspectives to the game’s aesthetic.
The 2025 release of Project K will mark the beginning of a new era for physical TCGs, blending League of Legends lore with strategic gameplay, and offering a deeply social experience that emphasizes fun, creativity, and big moments.
Conclusion
Project K is shaping up to be a unique multiplayer card game that aims to provide something fresh and engaging for fans of League of Legends and newcomers alike. With its focus on approachability, social interaction, and creative deck building, Project K is setting itself apart from digital TCGs.
Riot Games is clearly investing heavily in this physical TCG experience, and fans can look forward to a game that encourages both strategic thinking and memorable moments with friends.